How the IC 814 Hijack Inspired the Daughter of Survivors to Pursue a Career in Aviation

Tragedies and disasters can often serve as a source of inspiration, and that was certainly the case for Shivangi Menon, who is currently training as a junior first officer with air india Express. Her parents were passengers on the infamous IC 814 flight, which was hijacked during their return from their honeymoon.

Her father, Bipin Menon, now an officer at SEZ Noida, vividly recalls the events at Kathmandu airport on that fateful day. “The flight was delayed, and we were waiting in the lounge when we noticed the hijackers, who we would later learn about. They seemed to be eyeing us, which made us uneasy, but we didn’t think much of it at the time. I even asked one of them, who later identified himself as ‘Burger’, about the flight timings,” he recounted.

Years later, their daughter Shivangi overheard her parents discussing the hijacking incident. “She was around five years old at the time, but as she grew older, she began asking questions about the event. By Class 11, she expressed her desire to become a pilot,” Bipin shared.

Shivangi, who is now nearing the completion of her training with air india Express, spoke to News18 about how the hijack influenced her career choice. “The IC 814 hijack was a pivotal moment for indian aviation. I started asking my parents about it, and as I grew up, I did my own research, including watching a National Geographic documentary that featured footage of my parents. My curiosity about handling such situations drove me to learn more. Today, we have advanced anti-hijack protocols, and I am determined to contribute to my country’s aviation safety. My friends often ask me how I would handle a hijack, but I feel prepared.”

When it comes to concerns about Shivangi pursuing a career as a pilot given their family’s history, Bipin has no reservations. “Not at all. I’m proud that my daughter is entering a profession with relatively few women. With current SOPs (standard operating procedures) to handle hijack situations, I have full confidence in her choice. I understand there are various opinions, but I believe the captain at the time did his best, prioritizing passenger safety,” Bipin said.

For Shivangi, her parents' experience has only fueled her ambition. As she prepares to take to the skies, their ordeal has been a source of inspiration, motivating her to strive for excellence in aviation.